Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full Privacy Policy.

Getting about, CAR? 21 y/o

I have been to Ireland a few times and I am going now on my own. I have always been with people who have rented a car to reach the more remote locations and to see whatever at our whimsy.

The current issue is that I am 21, have had an American driving license for ~4 years. I am looking to rent a car but of course with the rental age restrictions I am having difficulty finding companies willing to rent to 21s. Does anyone know of companies that do rent to 21s?

I am expecting the rental fee to be high. So are there other options that people have explored to travel about Ireland freely? I have taken rail and bus before, but they will not get you out to smaller sites.

depends what you call "Smaller Sites" most of the key tourist spots are covered by public transport and "local" tours,, the odd taxi ride might be more cost effective than a 300% hire car insurance loading.. Cycle hire could be an option if you are fit you can even hire electric cycles in some locations?

I am going at Christmas through January, so I am reluctant to cycle for the weather. Has anyone every cycled at that time of year there? It's a interesting proposition...

I have done the PattyWagons and such and while they are quaint, I've had enough. I mean the freedom to travel to small megalitihic tombs and such, Knocknarea, Grainan Aileach, etc. Are places like that serviced by bus? What about at holiday season?

I actually considered scooters/Vespas, but renting these in Ireland seems impossible.